The 1960s was a transformative decade across the globe, and the automotive industry was no exception. Fueled by a booming economy and cultural shifts, car manufacturers pushed boundaries in design and performance, leading to the creation of some of the most popular and iconic cars ever seen. This era of innovation gave rise to vehicles that not only defined the decade but continue to captivate enthusiasts today. Let’s explore some of the most popular cars from the 1960s that left an indelible mark on automotive history.
Ford Mustang
Ford Mustang, a popular car from the 1960s, showcasing its iconic design and cultural impact
The Ford Mustang, launched in 1964, wasn’t just a car; it was a cultural phenomenon. Its attractive styling, affordability, and customizable options ignited a revolution in the automotive market. While the base models weren’t focused on raw speed, the availability of V8 engines hinted at its performance potential. As the decade progressed, more potent V8s and manual transmissions transformed the Mustang into a true performance machine. Available in fastback and convertible versions, and famously enhanced by Carroll Shelby, the Mustang became a symbol of American freedom and style. Its popularity was so immense that even people with little car knowledge immediately recognized the Mustang.
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Camaro 427, a sought-after popular car from the 1960s muscle car era
Chevrolet’s answer to the Mustang arrived in late 1966, two and a half years after Ford’s game-changer. The Chevy Camaro followed a similar formula: a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive platform with a vast array of engine choices and striking aesthetics. Entering the muscle car scene as it was gaining momentum, the Camaro was engineered with performance in mind from the outset, including big-block engine options. While it initially trailed the Mustang in sales, the first-generation Camaro has since become highly prized among collectors, frequently commanding top prices at auctions like Barrett-Jackson.
Chevrolet Corvette
The C2 Corvette, produced during the mid-1960s, is widely regarded as the quintessential ’60s Corvette, moving on from the C1’s 1950s design. Inspired by the stunning Mako Shark concept car, the 1963 Corvette showcased sleek lines that largely translated into production. This generation marked significant advancements, including the introduction of the big-block engine and independent rear suspension, finally cementing the Corvette’s status as a true American sports car. Initially relatively accessible, big-block C2 Corvettes today often fetch six-figure sums, reflecting their enduring popularity and collectibility.
Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen Beetle, a globally popular and affordable car from the 1960s
With a production run spanning from 1938 to 2003, the Volkswagen Beetle’s history is truly remarkable. The Type 1 Beetle became the most popular version, selling over 21 million units worldwide. These air-cooled, rear-engine cars were known for being fun to drive, affordable, and relatively reliable. The Beetle played a key role in popularizing German automotive engineering, paving the way for brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the global market. Even as the radically different New Beetle was introduced, the original Beetle continued production in Mexico for many years, highlighting its lasting appeal and popularity.
Volkswagen Microbus
The Volkswagen Type 2, famously known as the Microbus or “hippie van,” achieved sales and cultural success on par with the Beetle. The 1960s saw production of both the T1 and the less rounded T2 generations. Sharing the Beetle’s rear-mounted, air-cooled engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration, the Microbus offered practicality and a unique style that resonated with the counter-culture movement. Although the “chicken tax” impacted its popularity in the US in the early 1970s, the Microbus continued to be produced internationally until 2013, proving its lasting global popularity.
Lincoln Continental
Lincoln Continental, a popular luxury car in the 1960s, known for its iconic "suicide doors"
The Lincoln Continental, produced from 1961 to 1969, was a design icon of the 1960s. Its slab-sided styling was a departure from the preceding Mark X Continental, though both were undeniably large vehicles. A defining feature of this generation was its rear-hinged “suicide doors.” Combined with its imposing “gangster” aesthetic, luxurious interior, and smooth ride, the Continental was a strong seller in the high-end car market. Sadly, it also gained notoriety as the vehicle President John F. Kennedy was riding in during his assassination in 1963.
Plymouth Barracuda
Today, the Plymouth Barracuda is recognized as one of the most valuable muscle cars at auction, but its beginnings were quite modest. Launched just weeks before the Ford Mustang, the first-generation Barracuda was a fastback coupe version of the Plymouth Valiant. While its front end was conventional, the Barracuda stood out with its large and distinctive wraparound rear glass. The second generation, introduced in 1967, adopted a more muscular design and offered potent V8 engines, including the legendary 426 Hemi, boosting its popularity and performance image.
Shelby Cobra
Shelby Cobra 427, a high-performance popular sports car of the 1960s
Carroll Shelby, a celebrated race car driver, aimed to create a powerful and lightweight sports car in the early 1960s. By combining the British AC Ace body with a Ford-sourced V8 engine, Shelby created one of the most legendary road and race cars of all time. Sold from 1962 to 1967, the Shelby Cobra is often grouped with muscle cars due to its incredible power-to-weight ratio. Weighing just over 2,000 lbs and equipped with a massive 427 V8, the Cobra could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds, a testament to its raw performance and popularity among speed enthusiasts.
Futura – Batmobile
The inclusion of a 1955 Lincoln concept car on a list of ’60s popular cars might seem unusual, but the Futura’s transformation into the Batmobile justifies its place. After touring the show circuit as a futuristic bubble-top concept, the Futura fell into disrepair. When ABC sought a Batmobile for the first-ever Batman TV series, the Futura was quickly and expensively transformed into the iconic vehicle. This adaptation cemented the Futura-Batmobile as a favorite classic superhero car for a generation, achieving popularity in a completely unexpected way.
Jaguar E-Type
Jaguar E-Type, a beautiful and popular British sports car from the 1960s
Produced from 1961 to 1975, the Jaguar E-Type defined the British sports car in the 1960s. Universally admired for its stunning beauty, the E-Type is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars ever designed. Built on a racing-derived chassis, it offered exceptional handling and driving dynamics. The Series 1 E-Type featured smooth inline-six engines, although they were not known for ultimate reliability. Despite this, the E-Type single-handedly elevated the popularity of British cars in the US market, showcasing its significant impact.
Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO held the same prestige in the 1960s as the F40 did in later decades. Another entry on this list celebrated for its beauty, the 250 GTO is an early masterpiece from Enzo Ferrari. It featured a 3.0-liter V12 engine producing 300 horsepower in a car weighing under 2,000 lbs. The 250 GTO dominated racetracks worldwide. Originally priced around twice as much as a Corvette, it was a relative bargain for an exotic car with such performance and looks. Today, its rarity and historical significance have made it incredibly valuable; in 2013, one sold for over $38 million at auction, and current listings exceed $55 million, solidifying its place as one of the most popular and desirable cars of the 1960s, albeit for a very select few.
Ford GT40
Ford GT40, a legendary and popular race car of the 1960s
From 1964 to 1969, Carroll Shelby played a key role in developing Ford’s ultimate performance car, the GT40. Driven by Henry Ford II’s ambition to outcompete Ferrari at Le Mans, the GT40 initially struggled despite its potential. Once Shelby took over the program, the 427 V8-powered GT40 became a dominant force in racing. Its performance was truly remarkable, achieving victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the same year, often finishing in the top three positions at these prestigious races, cementing its legendary status and popularity in motorsport history.
Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 is arguably the quintessential grand tourer, setting the standard for all GT cars that followed. Even upon its debut in 1963, the DB5 exuded an aura of luxury and expense. Many consider it as visually stunning as the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Its 4.0-liter inline-six engine delivered ample power with remarkable smoothness, matched by the refined ZF 5-speed transmission – a 5-speed gearbox that was uncommon 20 years ahead of its time. Classic, muscular, yet refined, the DB5’s design cues and character are still evident in modern Aston Martins. Its enduring popularity was amplified by its role as James Bond’s car of choice, making it an automotive icon for both car enthusiasts and popular culture.
Chevrolet Chevelle
Chevrolet Chevelle, a widely popular muscle car from the 1960s
The Chevrolet Chevelle consistently ranks high on muscle car lists, and its place as a legend of the era is undeniable. While the 1970 Chevelle SS with the 450 hp LS6 engine is often considered the pinnacle, the ’60s Chevelles were also formidable performers. The 1964 debut model, with a 220 hp V8, was just the beginning. Responding to the muscle car competition, Chevrolet quickly ramped up performance, introducing the 327 mid-year and the powerful 396 V8 by 1966, with horsepower ratings well over 350. This rapid evolution secured the Chevelle’s popularity and enduring legacy in the muscle car era.
Pontiac GTO
Speaking of muscle car pioneers, the Pontiac GTO is credited with igniting the muscle car craze. With factory-backed racing restricted, Pontiac sought to inject excitement into their lineup. Despite a GM ban limiting mid-size cars to smaller engines, Pontiac cleverly circumvented this by offering the GTO as an option package. This option included a potent 389 V8 engine producing 325 horsepower. Outpowering its class by a significant margin, the GTO instantly became a sensation, launching the muscle car wars and becoming a pop culture icon.
Lamborghini Miura
Lamborghini Miura, a groundbreaking and popular supercar from the 1960s
The Lamborghini Miura is celebrated for its beauty and groundbreaking mid-engine design, although surprisingly, company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini initially preferred traditional GT cars. Unlike Lamborghini’s previous 350GT and 400GT, the Miura adopted sleek, race car-inspired lines and a purpose-built mid-engine layout. At its 1966 debut, the 3.9-liter V12 engine produced an impressive 350 horsepower, and its aerodynamic body allowed it to claim the title of the fastest production car in the world, making it incredibly popular among enthusiasts and cementing Lamborghini’s reputation for performance and innovation.
Chevrolet Impala
The 1961 Chevrolet Impala introduced a cleaner, full-size styling direction for Chevrolet in the new decade. The third-generation Impala continued to feature Chevrolet’s largest engines, including the iconic 409, famously celebrated in a Beach Boys song. It wasn’t just the Impala’s size that was notable for the time; the 409 cubic inch engine, producing one horsepower per cubic inch, made it a formidable drag strip performer. The Impala’s large fenders and trunk also made it a favorite among lowrider enthusiasts, providing ample space for custom airbag and hydraulic setups, contributing to its diverse and lasting popularity.
Porsche 911
Porsche 911, a timeless and popular sports car that debuted in the 1960s
Ferdinand Porsche sought to create a larger, more powerful successor to the successful Porsche 356. The result, the 1964 Porsche 911, became an automotive legend that would outlive its creator. The original 911 was not a powerhouse, with a 128 hp flat-six engine, but its refined handling dynamics and distinctive design were immediately apparent. The now-infamous Porsche options list began in the ’60s, offering features like targa tops and even gasoline-burning cabin heaters. While turbocharging wouldn’t arrive until the 1970s, the 911’s journey to becoming an icon started in the 1960s, establishing its enduring popularity and influence.
Toyota 2000GT
Japan’s first collectible car, the Toyota 2000GT, began as a Toyota show car in 1965. Following critical acclaim, it entered production in 1967. While its 2.0-liter inline-six engine was less powerful than other GTs of the era, its exceptional handling allowed it to outperform many more powerful cars on the track, gaining a dedicated following and numerous racing victories. Its “coke bottle” styling is considered among the most beautiful ever created, and its appearance in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice further boosted its international popularity and desirability.
Lotus Elan
Lotus Elan, a lightweight and agile popular sports car of the 1960s
Looking at a ’60s Lotus Elan, one might mistake it for a ’90s Mazda Miata, highlighting the Elan’s timeless design. The Lotus design was ahead of its time, while the Miata was intentionally retro, allowing the Elan to appear modern across decades. Unapologetically a sports car, the Elan was initially offered as a roadster with seating for two. With just 108 hp at launch, the Elan prioritized lightweight construction and exceptional handling to deliver driving fun. Its minimalist and curvaceous design contributed to its appeal and helped elevate Lotus’s global reputation, making it a popular choice for sports car enthusiasts.
Buick Riviera
In the early 1960s, Buick needed a personal luxury car to compete with the highly successful Ford Thunderbird. Inspired by a custom Rolls-Royce, Buick’s Bill Mitchell envisioned a sharp-edged design for GM. After refinements, the 1963 Buick Riviera was launched to both critical and commercial success. Its combination of sharp, angular lines with emerging muscular styling resulted in what many consider the most beautiful Buick ever made. Later versions offered increased performance, but the first-generation Riviera GS epitomizes the best of GM design from the 1960s, contributing significantly to Buick’s popularity in the luxury segment.
Shelby Daytona Coupe
Shelby Daytona Coupe, a streamlined and high-speed popular race car of the 1960s
The Shelby Cobra was initially designed to challenge Ferrari on high-speed race circuits. However, Shelby discovered a limitation: the Cobra’s open cockpit restricted its top speed to under 160 mph. Using a wrecked Cobra chassis, talented craftsmen hand-formed stunning new bodywork, creating the first Daytona Coupe. With a top speed of 190 mph, the Daytona Coupe achieved numerous class wins and set 25 speed records at Bonneville, proving its aerodynamic superiority and solidifying its popularity in racing circles.
Studebaker Avanti
Studebaker faced financial difficulties in the late 1950s, and the Avanti was conceived as a halo car to revitalize sales. The Avanti was a fiberglass-bodied sports car, similar in concept to the Corvette, powered exclusively by a robust V8 engine. Despite its attractive design and focus on safety, the Avanti sold fewer than 2,000 units in its first year. Sales improved slightly the following year but were insufficient to rescue the company. Production ceased in December 1963 when Studebaker’s plant closed. While Studebaker ultimately faded, the Avanti name retains a distinctive presence and is remembered as a unique and popular offering from the decade.
Chevrolet Corvair
Chevrolet Corvair, a unique and somewhat controversial popular car from the 1960s
The Chevrolet Corvair stands out with its Tesla-like sealed grille, hinting at its unconventional engineering. Unlike its competitors and all other GM cars of the time, the Corvair featured a rear-engine layout, similar to the Porsche 911. Originally intended to compete with compact cars like the VW Beetle and Ford Falcon, the Corvair adopted a conventional 2-door, 4-seater design. Introduced in 1960 and priced under $2,000, the Corvair improved significantly over its production run. However, American drivers were unaccustomed to the rear weight bias, leading to an undeserved reputation for being unsafe, despite its innovative features and initial popularity.
Jensen Interceptor
Think of the Jensen Interceptor as a Ferrari GTC4Lusso with a distinct ’70s flair. Jensen, a British car manufacturer known for unique rear window designs, introduced the Interceptor in 1966. With its long hood and distinctive “bubble” rear end, the Interceptor had a unique and instantly recognizable appearance. While its reliability was sometimes questioned, its performance was assured by Chrysler V8 engines, including the powerful 440. Just over 6,000 Interceptors were produced before Jensen closed in 1976. Despite its limited production, the Interceptor’s distinctive style and performance have ensured its enduring popularity, with plans even considered for a modern revival.
These cars represent just a slice of the incredible automotive landscape of the 1960s. From revolutionary designs to groundbreaking performance, the popular cars of this decade continue to inspire and influence automotive culture today. The 1960s truly was a golden age for automobiles, leaving a legacy of iconic vehicles that remain highly sought after and admired.
